The Montreal Canadiens have provided their passionate fanbase with a season of dramatic highs and lows, yet as the NHL pauses for the Christmas holiday, the team finds itself in a position that largely fulfills the heightened expectations placed upon them.
A Roller-Coaster Ride to a Playoff Position
Following a surprising playoff berth as a wild-card team last season, the bar was raised for the Habs in 2025-26. The season began with a surge of optimism as the team won nine of its first twelve games, sparking premature Stanley Cup chatter. That euphoria was quickly tempered by a difficult five-game losing streak in November, where they were outscored 27-10, leading to intense scrutiny of the players and head coach Martin St. Louis.
However, the team has steadied itself. Heading into the break with a record of 20-12-5, the Canadiens sit second in the Atlantic Division. This marks clear progress from the same point last season, when they were 17-17-3 after 37 games. The team secured this standing with a decisive 6-2 road victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
Overcoming Adversity and Finding Strength
This progress is particularly notable given the challenges the squad has faced. The Canadiens have battled significant injuries to key players including defenceman Kaiden Guhle and forwards Patrik Laine, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Jake Evans. Furthermore, the entire league is navigating a condensed schedule due to a three-week break for the Winter Olympics in February, forcing teams into grueling stretches of back-to-back games.
Offensively, the team continues to be powered by captain Nick Suzuki, who leads the team with 42 points, and sniper Cole Caufield, whose 18 goals pace the club. Caufield has notably evolved his game, showing more physicality and scoring from tough areas around the net.
The lineup has also revealed impressive depth. The decision to move Juraj Slafkovsky to a line with rookies Oliver Kapanen (11 goals) and the gifted playmaker Ivan Demidov (30 points) has rejuvenated the former first overall pick. Contributions have come from throughout the roster, from Josh Anderson to Samuel Blais and Alexandre Texier. The recent trade acquisition of Phillip Danault adds valuable experience and should bolster the penalty kill.
Defensive Adjustments and Goaltending Questions
On the blue line, young star Lane Hutson continues his ascent with an improved shot, while Mike Matheson remains a minute-munching stalwart. The addition of Noah Dobson has provided a steadying, top-four presence. The team employs an aggressive defensive system that encourages jumping into the attack, a style that has led to both offensive chances and occasional glaring errors.
The most pressing question moving forward may be in the crease. Rookies Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes have proven mostly reliable, creating a dilemma regarding veteran Samuel Montembeault. Montembeault's stock has fallen from last season, and the organization must soon decide if carrying three goaltenders is sustainable, potentially making the netminder trade bait if he can recapture his form.
As the Canadiens enjoy a brief respite, they do so firmly in a playoff spot, having mostly met the high expectations set for them. The emotional journey is far from over, but the first half of the season has demonstrated a team that is resilient, deeper, and ahead of schedule in its ongoing rebuild.
